Locking system t lock what. How to lay laminate with different types of locks. Lock with plastic plate

The joints of laminated parquet are both the weakest and strongest part of the coating. A carefully thought-out locking system ensures a tight connection of the lamellas, easy assembly and, of course, obtaining a smooth, durable floor covering.

In 1979, the Swedish company Perstorp AB (in the future Pergo) introduced a new flooring to customers through the IKEA chain of stores - laminate. Since the technology was just being developed, the novelty did not yet have interlocks and even tongue-and-groove edges. The breakthrough came in 1994 when Välinges took out a patent for a unique development, the world's first mechanical joint for parquet, parquet and laminate flooring.

The actively developing giants of the woodworking industry became interested in the innovative technology. The first to buy the license was the laminate manufacturer Alloc, which introduced the so-called 1G aluminum lock. In the following 1995, the leaders of Kahrs became interested in the invention. This is the largest manufacturer of parquet boards, which to this day holds a leading position in the market. The modified connection system was called "lock 2G". In fact, this is a prototype of a coupling kit under the modern name Lock. That is, a connection according to the "thorn-groove" principle, but with a carefully designed compacted profile. When assembling the flooring with the Lock system, a special elastic adhesive was used.

Scheme of the first interlocks for laminate.

In the future, the structure of the connecting elements continues to be refined and at the end of 2001 a patent for a locking system is published in which two adjacent plates are joined at an angle of 45°, and after pressing (snapping) a mechanically tight bond is obtained. It is thanks to this development that the Click lock laminate, so famous today, is produced. From here begins the era of adhesive-free joining of floor tiles.

Such connecting kits are intended for implementation in multi-layer thin floor coverings: parquet board, engineered solid wood, laminated HDF or PVC floor, and others. For traditional parquet, vinyl or LVT tiles, solid board, simple tongue and groove joints are used.

Manufacturers of laminate flooring in advertising emphasize the adhesive-free locking system, which allows you to quickly, easily and without problems assemble or disassemble the floor. Another advantage is that special profile shapes form waterproof joints without the slightest gaps. But, in fact, there are the following basic types of laminate locks:

Tongue-and-groove or Lock.
Snap or Click.

All found names like T-Lock, Megalock, Click2Click, Uniclick and others are just replication of the main types with their own modifications. Nothing fundamentally new or unique has yet been developed. Patents for these improvements have been issued in order to avoid pirated copying of products from well-known European factories by unscrupulous Asian compilers.

Laminate with an adhesive connection system is no longer produced, although occasionally you can find crafts by Chinese "masters" on sale. Consider the most interesting options from such giants as Egger, Quick Step, Balterio, Alloc.

Just Click by Egger

Laminate locks from an Austrian manufacturer are classics of the click system. The panels are snapped into place at an angle of 30-45° from four sides, and a sufficiently high ridge tenon ensures the tightness of the joint and the resistance of the joint to tensile and bending loads. The coating is available in a standard form and complete with Silenzio sound-diffusing underlay. The shape of the tongue and groove remains unchanged.

Uniclic by Quick Step

No less interesting is the development of the Belgian plant. The engineering profile provides the possibility of both classic snap-in at an angle, and the method of attaching or knocking down planks. This is the best solution for beginners.

The lock complex from Unilin is convenient for premises with a complex perimeter, the presence of hard-to-reach places or various “obstacles” - pipes, podiums, low-mounted radiators, etc.

To understand the essence of the three-way assembly system, watch the video from the manufacturer Quick Step.

PressXpress by Balterio

Similar laminate interlocks are called 3G, 4G, or 5G. That is, an element is added to the Click-joint structure - a plastic “tongue”, aluminum grips or protrusions that provide improved grip and prevent the slats from separating over time (the formation of longitudinal and transverse slots). One of the brightest representatives of this group is PressExpress from the Belgian plant Balterio. A well-designed “additive” to the main hitch eliminates even a hint of the appearance of gaps between the lamellas and significantly strengthens the joint area. Thanks to this solution, the finished flooring will withstand a significant weight without the slightest damage.

Let's note one shortcoming. According to the reviews of the craftsmen, when reassembling, plastic inserts become more of an interfering element than an auxiliary one, so they are most often removed with pliers. And to obtain a tight joint, sealing gels or sealing masses are used.

4G and 5G-S Aluminum Locking System by Berry Alloc

Laminate with aluminum locks from Alloc itself is unusual. Being a very successful modification of the two basic types of connections, the metal "thorn-groove" increases the reliability of the clutch and speeds up the assembly mechanism. In addition, this scheme allows you to reduce the weight of the floor covering, which is a significant plus for floors with reduced bearing capacity.

According to the manufacturer, the aluminum profile on both long sides of the bar, supplemented with a stiffener, increases the tensile strength of the connection. The limit according to the test reports is 1200 kg/r.m. m. That is why aluminum locks are used exclusively in class 33-34 flooring, designed for places with heavy foot traffic. It is allowed to disassemble and reassemble the floor covering 3 times.

Which laminate lock is better

Let's dispel the most popular myth that says that the best floor is obtained from a laminate flooring with a Click lock. In fact, flooring material with any type of interlock is designed in such a way as to end up with a perfectly smooth surface without protrusions, cracks and squeaks. Service life and build quality depends on:

availability of original coverage from well-known brands;
professionalism of stackers;
strict adherence to instructions.

The Lock joint, unlike its analog, does not stretch so much over time, so the coating with a lock-lock is more convenient in reassembly. The click hitch is more rigid, but subject to the high density of the plate - at least 750 kg / m 3. Let's make it easier for our readers to choose - in large shopping centers, 85% of the assortment is a laminate with the Click system.

Let's break another stereotype. Some masters claim that the click-lock allows you to lay the laminate on the floor with differences exceeding the allowable 2 mm per 2 linear meters of the surface. We will disappoint such unfortunate specialists - not a single type of connection is designed to smooth out significant irregularities, an even, solid foundation is always required. Only in this case you will get a smooth, beautiful and functional floor that will last at least two decades.

Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for their selection. Just send in the form below a detailed description of the work to be done and you will receive offers with prices from construction teams and firms by mail. You can see reviews of each of them and photos with examples of work. It's FREE and there's no obligation.

Laminate- modern flooring, which has recently become widespread in our country. Its popularity is explained by high aesthetic and quality characteristics at the best price, affordable for a buyer with an average level of income.

In many respects, laminate flooring is superior to natural floors.

The basis of the construction of the laminate is a high-density HDF board, in the thickness of which a lock is cut, thanks to which the installation of the floor is simple and subject to a person who does not have the skills of a builder-finisher. There are a large number of castle structures that differ both in design and assembly technique. Many manufacturers develop their own lock systems, and some manufacturers use previously developed ones.

In this article, we will give an overview of the main designs of laminate locking systems.

ProLoc lock

The ProLoc system is developed and patented by Pergo. The system provides a triple locking system, the installation of the laminate is simple, the joints are treated with wax impregnation. The lock perfectly holds the panels in tight contact and withstands heavy loads. This is one of the most secure locks.

Smart lock

The SmartLock system is a simpler version of ProLoc. The connecting elements of the laminate are also impregnated with water-repellent impregnation. The locking system is reliable, withstands heavy loads. Provides easy installation with an excellent end result.

PROClic lock

PROClic is an innovative development from Egger. Differs in the special geometry allowing to stack on one element. It has high resistance to point loads and tensile strength.

ClickXpress lock

ClickXpress is a development of the Balterio concern. The system is truly revolutionary. Allows you to assemble the laminate very quickly, while the panel joints are difficult to find. The lock allows, if necessary, repeatedly mount and dismantle the floor.

Uniclic Castle

The unique Uniclic system is developed by Quick Step. Differs in an original design of elements. Assembly of panels is simple and convenient. The panel is inserted into another panel along the long side at an angle of 20-30°, then the assembled row is inserted into the previously assembled one and snaps into place. Assembly requires 2 people.

Megaloc Castle

Megaloc is a development of the German manufacturer Classen. This is an innovative invention that allows you to speed up the process of assembling a laminate by 3 times. On the end side of the panel there is an additional movable plastic lock. The assembly is carried out on the long side, as usual, and on the short side, it is enough to press on the board, and it will snap into place without effort. Installation can be done by 1 person. The edges are impregnated with wax protection.

ConnectSystem lock

ConnectSystem is another development from Classen. The system gained great popularity due to its unique streamlined shape. It provides smoothing of the irregularities of the base due to the movable joints at the joints, compensating for the resulting stress between the laminated panels. IsoWaxx edge protection wax protects joints from moisture ingress.

Loctec lock

The LocTec system is Witex's own development. Possesses high rates of durability. This is one of the strongest castles. All edges are treated with wax impregnation, which protects the joints from moisture ingress.

T-lock

The T-Lock system is a Tarkett development that has become widespread in the flooring market. Many manufacturers have adopted this lock. The system very securely fixes the panels in tight contact. The assembly is carried out along the long sides, then the assembled row is inserted at an angle into the previous row and snaps into place with a slight pressure until it clicks.

Based on materials from the site http://interier-nn.ru/tovar.php?id_vid=1&pathVid=laminat - laminate online store.

When choosing a floor covering, laminate should be considered not only from the standpoint of the main characteristics, but also take into account the features of its installation. The article will focus on laminate locking systems, which are rightfully considered the most convenient way to secure when laying flooring.

Laying laminate without the use of adhesive mixture

Any kind of modern laminate flooring can be installed without the use of various fasteners and adhesive mixtures. The panels are fixed to each other due to the latches on them - locks. Consider the main types of laminate locks and the advantages of using such fasteners when laying.

There are two types of laminate according to the type of lock connection:

the name "Lock" received a version with latches;
name laminate Click ("Click") was given to the coating due to its suitability for assembly and disassembly.

Among the main positive qualities of lock fasteners, it is worth highlighting:

ease of installation;
simplification of the repair of damaged elements of the coating: it is always possible to dismantle part of the coating and replace unusable boards with new ones.

Lock laminate

When considering the Lock version of the coating when determining which laminate lock is better, it is worth considering the cost-effectiveness of this coating. A similar system is created by milling the interlock, the thickness of which is equal to the thickness of the MDF or HDF board.

A special spike is placed on one side of the laminated panel, and a groove is made on the other, into which a special latch is built. Thus, the panels are inserted into each other, and the spikes are securely fixed in the grooves. Maximum grip can be obtained by knocking the boards together with a wooden or rubber mallet.

The advantages of the Lock system are:

the possibility of dismantling and re-laying the coating at any time;
very strong construction created by joining laminated panels;
low cost of facing material;
convenient and practical laminate size.

Of course, such a locking connection of the laminate has a drawback. It consists in the fact that an excessive load on the floor creates excessive friction between the planks at the junction points. As a result, the latches in the slots wear out and the interlock becomes less effective. In the end, gaps form between the planks, which cannot be eliminated, which means that the coating ceases to be suitable.

Locks with plastic plate

Manufacturers have begun using plastic in the manufacture of locks to make it easier for the panels to stick together.

Moreover, it is worth knowing that the locking type of laminate connection with plastic plates has two types of fasteners:

Spring fasteners allow for a single movement to snap the boards into place. The main advantage of this type is the ease of installation. The downside is that laminated planks are not always perfectly even, and therefore you have to additionally tamp them with a light hammer made of wood or rubber.
Rigid plastic mounts are of a similar design, but their connection requires effort to insert the board into the board. Hence the minus of this type of plastic locks is a complicated installation procedure.

Naturally, laminate with a plastic lock does not inspire confidence among many owners, which is why manufacturers have taken care of creating something more reliable.

Lock fastening Click

This method of fastening laminated panels has a significant advantage over Lock fastenings. Laminate fixes at an angle of 45 degrees with virtually no effort and time.

The main advantages of such a system:

dual 45 degree mounts;
the highest durability of a flooring;
minimal risk of deformation of the locks;
possibly 6 times laying if it is necessary to repair or dismantle it for work in the thickness of floor coverings;
laying such a coating is easy and simple;
manufacturers claim that a laminate with such a connection can be laid on a base with irregularities of up to 3 millimeters per square meter.

Aluminum Click Locks

Features of aluminum locks created using the Click system:

In addition to the fact that the laminate with aluminum locks is easy to install, it also has an increased strength of the joints due to a special groove in the panels. The use of metal as a material for the production of lock joints allows the joints to withstand heavy loads.
It is this type of laminate that can withstand up to 6 laying and dismantling.
The flooring turns out to be absolutely tight, which eliminates the risk of moisture getting into the thickness of the floor covering.
You can lay such a coating on any base: screed, concrete slab, boardwalk, etc.

Naturally, a coating without defects will look aesthetically pleasing in the photo and during visual inspection. Aluminum locks will keep it as such for a very long period of time.

Outcome

This article discusses in detail what kind of locks are in the laminate and describes their features. The owner can only understand which option will be optimal for him, but, as practice shows, the choice is based only on cost. because if there is a sufficient amount of money, no one hesitates and buys a laminate with metal locks, or vice versa, if finances are limited.

The ease of installation, as well as the possibility of reusable laying and dismantling of the coating, allow you to put the choice of laminate much higher than other floor coverings. If there are difficulties during installation, you can always turn to specialists who, in addition to carrying out work, can also take responsibility for acquiring the necessary materials, taking into account all the wishes of the customer.

It can be considered the most common floor covering. The ease of laying the panels allows you to do this work yourself without hiring expensive specialists. Each panel has special locks, thanks to which it is not difficult to assemble the floor covering. We will talk about what types of laminate locks are, and which ones are better to give preference to.

Many manufacturers often come up with various locking connections and claim that their system is the best and most reliable. To the question of what kind of locks there are, you can answer this way - all locks are conditionally divided into two groups (varieties):

 Locks
 Click locks

The difference between these groups is in the way the panels are joined. Locke locks have been used for a very long time and have proven to be the most economical option. Such laminate locks are produced by milling. They are a spike with a fixing comb on one side and a milled groove on the other side of the panel.

Panels with Locke locks are mounted by driving the spike into the groove until they are fully seated and eliminating the gap between adjacent panels. This is done with a wooden mallet or a metal hammer, after substituting a wooden plate or a piece of timber.

Such work requires attention and constant control of the joints from the master. Despite the fact that these are simple and reliable locking connections, they have their drawbacks. Under load, the lock comb wears out from friction, which leads to the appearance between the cracks. Panels with such locks, unfortunately, cannot be disassembled and reassembled if necessary.

It's important to know! To increase the protection of joints from water, it is recommended to treat any types of laminate locks with a sealant.

A more modern development is considered to be equipped with click-locks. Such a coating is devoid of the disadvantages of Locke locks. Locks are also made by milling, however, the panel spike looks like a flat hook. The groove on the other side has a selected platform for engagement with the hook.

Assembling the panels is very simple and does not require much effort. The panel is driven with a spike into the maz of the previous panel at an angle of 45 degrees. When the panel is lowered to the floor, the hook engages with the groove platform and a characteristic double click occurs. Hence the name Twin Click.

This laminate locking joint securely fixes the panels. Even under heavy load, the lamellas do not diverge during prolonged use. It is very important that such a coating is easy not only to assemble, but also to disassemble. Manufacturers claim that it is possible to disassemble a laminate with click-locks up to 3-4 times.

In the event that the climate is very humid, such an interlock can also be treated with a sealant. Do not be afraid that then the laminate can not be disassembled. The sealant can be easily removed from the groove of the laminate.

The latest developments in laminate flooring

On sale you can find a laminate with wax impregnation of locks. This is the so-called Lock Tec lock developed by Witex. All edges are treated with wax, which significantly increases the protection against moisture.

Due to the wax impregnation, the joints between the panels are practically invisible when laid in the correct direction. The floor looks monolithic, which guarantees the resistance of the coating to the penetration of moisture.

Laminate with an aluminum lock is able to withstand loads up to 200 kg per 1 sq. m. The metal lamella, located on the back of the panel, engages with the groove of the adjacent board. Due to the simplicity of the design, laying such a laminate is very fast. Manufacturers guarantee that this will never disperse, and some manufacturers even give a lifetime warranty (ALLOC laminate). Such a coating can be mounted and dismantled up to 6 times.

Innovative developments of Megaloc locks make it possible to speed up the process of laying laminate by 3-4 times. This is due to the location of an additional plastic lock on the end side of the plate. The assembly of the coating is carried out on the side as usual, and for docking at the end, it is enough to lay the panel and lightly press it until it clicks.

The question of which laminate locks are better can be answered unequivocally - twinclick locks. A wide variety of locks from different modern manufacturers, in fact, are just modifications of one reliable locking system.

There are two main types of locks on laminate "" and "Lock". In this article we will tell you how the second type of laminate is laid.

Laminate equipped with "Lock" locks fit quite simply. It doesn't matter if you lay it vertically or diagonally, the spike on the first panel is driven into the groove of the other. The panels are placed strictly horizontally. In this position, the laminate boards are driven into one another with a wooden block and a hammer.

Lay a laminate equipped with "Lock" locks only after the width of the planks in the last row is calculated. Don't forget about the wall gap.

Installation video instruction

Laying technology

According to the established tradition, laying starts from the far left corner. Install the launch pad. The next panel is brought from the end side, installed in the groove with a spike, and docked through the bar with light taps with a hammer. The entire row is laid in the same way. When laying the next row, do not forget about the offset of the joints. Only with a staggered layout is it guaranteed that the load is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the floor covering. Laying the next one, horizontally bring the panel of the second row to the first row, connect the spike into the groove. Then, slightly stepping back from the first panel, we connect the second panel to the first row. We connect the ends of the panels to each other, through the bar by tapping with a hammer. According to the algorithm obtained, we close the entire room.

In conclusion, let's say how to install laminate on a wall. To do this, cut a panel of such a size as to fill the remaining space minus the wall gap. Remember that almost all advice related to laying laminate recommends using clamps here.
How to figure out what size the last panel should be? To do this, put a new one on the panel of the penultimate row, combining the edges. Another one is put on it, but so that its edge lies along the wall. On the second edge of this panel, on the middle panel, mark the line. This is the cut line, and the remaining part is the necessary part. In a similar way, we achieve styling throughout the apartment.

After we have reviewed the technology of laying laminate with Locks, we hope you will not have a problem laying it. And you will come out of this test with honor. With pride you will look at the work of your hands.